We will be at 100 percent because we also want the title of world champion, said Ivan Perišić at the official press conference ahead of the match between Croatia and Argentina in the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to play the second consecutive semi-final at the World Cup. But we also want the final, we will do our best against Argentina. It will be a similar game as against England four years ago, England had a good team, Argentina has it now. We have to play like against Brazil and then everything is possible,” said the Tottenham winger, as reported by HINA.
Perišić also stated that the preparations for England and now for Argentina were similar.
“We prepare for every game in a similar way. Only here is a maximum of 30 minutes of travel, so we have more time to rest. We analyzed Argentina’s game, we have another training session tonight and we will be ready,” he added.
In the previous part of the World Cup, Perišić helped a lot in defense, especially in the first game against Morocco, but also against Brazil.
“When you mentioned Morocco, many of you were not satisfied. Now that we see how far Morocco has come, we can say that we have done a good job. Every team has good wings and each of us needs to help in defense. We push well from the right and left sides, we have to help in defense, be a team, participate in all actions and that, I hope, will contribute to the result”, he said.
Argentinian journalists were interested in what motivates him to kick Messi out of the World Cup.
“Ronaldo also went to the World Cup five times and did not succeed, Messi also wants the title. We will also be at 100 percent because we also want the title. I hope that it will be a hard and manly match, so let the better one win”, he said.
By scoring a goal against Japan, Perišić became the best Croatian scorer in major competitions with 10 goals. It was also his sixth goal at the world championships, while he scored four at European competitions. Until this championship, Perišić and Davor Šuker shared the record with nine goals each at the world and European championships.
“I have said many times that goals and assists are not important to me, but that my team wins.” I am here at the service of the team”, said Perišić.
The World Cup final will be played with the new Al Hilm ball decorated with burgundy shades that resemble the flag of Qatar.
“The color is new, I think it’s a little faster. We will see if there will be a difference on the field. We need to shoot as much as possible”, he added.
Perišić also stated that he has not spoken with former and current Argentine teammates Lautaro Martinez and Cristian Romero in recent days.
“We heard each other in the group stage, but now we haven’t.” I know that Lautaro and Cuti live for their country, they can’t wait to play for Argentina. We are similar in that way. They will be at 100 percent, and so will we. I hope that the whole world will enjoy our football”, concluded Perišić.
MUST SEE: World Cup in Qatar | Predrag Popović Pop: it is realistic that France will be world champion again!
